Catawba County students get early start to the school year

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. - Students returned to school in Catawba County for their first day back Tuesday morning.

Superintendent Walter Hart greeted students as they were dropped off at Longview Elementary School.

Catawba County students are getting an earlier start this year.

Hart believes this year’s earlier start will help with testing around winter break. He said starting early will also allow schools to make up potential snow days more easily.

"We’re real excited to be back in school. I think we're going to have really good day. Our teachers have worked hard, our principals have worked hard, and our staff has worked hard getting things ready,” said Hart.

Children in all three districts in Catawba County started school Tuesday.